1 Lakh Visas Revoked Under Trump Vetting Order: What It Means for Students and Workers

1 Lakh Visas Revoked After Trump Vetting Order: Students, Workers and Tourists Face Stricter US Immigration Crackdown

The United States has revoked more than 1 lakh visas in 2025, including around 8,000 student visas, marking one of the most aggressive immigration enforcement actions in recent years. The move follows the implementation of the Trump Vetting Order, which significantly tightened scrutiny of foreign nationals entering or staying in the country.

According to official updates, the scale of visa cancellations in 2025 is more than double the number revoked in 2024, the final year of the previous administration. The development has sparked global concern, particularly among international students, skilled workers, and tourists.

Why 1 Lakh Visas Were Revoked

Authorities have stated that the visa revocations are part of a broader effort to strengthen public safety and national security. The US State Department confirmed that the cancellations included student visas, specialised work visas, and visitor visas linked to prior encounters with law enforcement.

Officials cited criminal activity as the primary reason behind the revocations. These ranged from drink-driving and drug-related offences to assault, theft, fraud, and allegations of child abuse. In several cases, visas were revoked after individuals overstayed or violated the conditions of their stay.

The Trump Vetting Order, issued on the first day of the administration, laid the foundation for this intensified enforcement by mandating stricter background checks and ongoing monitoring of visa holders.

Impact on International Students

Among the most affected groups are international students. Nearly 8,000 student visas were revoked, with reports indicating that hundreds of students lost their permits due to drug possession or distribution charges.

For many students, the cancellations came as a shock, disrupting academic plans and raising fears about the level of scrutiny applied to even minor legal infractions. The situation has increased anxiety among international student communities, particularly those studying in the US on long-term programs.

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The 1 Lakh Visas Revoked figure has become symbolic of a broader shift toward zero-tolerance enforcement.

Specialised and Work Visas Under Pressure

Specialised visas, including employment-based categories, were also heavily impacted. About 2,500 specialised visas were revoked, many involving workers who had previous encounters with law enforcement.

A significant number of these cases were linked to drink-driving arrests, while others involved more serious allegations such as fraud, assault, or child abuse. The crackdown signals a tougher stance not just on illegal immigration, but also on legal migrants who violate US laws.

Continuous Vetting and New Screening Measures

In August 2025, the administration announced a review of all 55 million foreign nationals holding valid US visas. This review is being carried out through a newly established “continuous vetting centre,” designed to monitor visa holders even after entry.

Under the Trump Vetting Order, immigration enforcement is no longer limited to initial background checks. Instead, authorities are applying ongoing scrutiny, including law enforcement databases and digital monitoring.

H-1B and H-4 Applicants Face Delays

From mid-December, enhanced screening measures were extended to H-1B and H-4 visa applicants. These include social media checks and deeper background verification.

As a result, several visa interviews scheduled across India and other countries have been postponed. Many applicants who travelled for visa stamping have reportedly been left stranded for months, uncertain about timelines or outcomes.

This has raised concerns among employers and professionals who rely on timely visa processing.

Tightening of Visa Rules

In addition to revocations, the administration has reinforced visa rules such as the “public charge” policy. This allows officials to deny visas to applicants deemed likely to depend on public benefits.

Together, these measures reflect a broader shift in US immigration policy — one that prioritizes enforcement, surveillance, and strict eligibility standards.

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Global Reaction and What Lies Ahead

The scale of the crackdown has drawn international attention, especially from countries that send large numbers of students and skilled workers to the US. While officials insist the actions are necessary for safety, critics argue that the measures may deter talent and strain diplomatic ties.

What is clear is that the 1 Lakh Visas Revoked under the Trump Vetting Order mark a turning point in US immigration enforcement. For foreign nationals, compliance with visa conditions and local laws has never been more critical.

As continuous vetting becomes the new norm, students and workers worldwide are being forced to rethink their plans — and the risks — of pursuing opportunities in the United States.

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